System for creating spectral displays

ABSTRACT

A highly adaptable system for creating colorful spectral displays or for achieving a prismatic effect using visible light. The invention includes a fixed-angle or monolithic prismatic element fabricated from plate glass mirror material. A compound version of this monolithic element wherein multiple single elements have been affixed to one another for the purpose of creating a more complex spectral display is also provided. The invention also includes a prism-like device that utilizes a standard mirror, mirrors, or other materials with highly reflective surfaces and water or a similar fluid that disperses light in a predictable manner at or on a specific target. Both the fixed prismatic elements and the adjustable light dispersing elements may be arranged into one or more arrays that may be used to create complex spectral displays on a variety of surfaces while utilizing one or more available light sources or a moving light source such as the sun.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 60/463,526 filed on Apr. 17, 2003 andentitled “Device and Method for Creating Spectral Displays,” thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference as if fully rewrittenherein.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH

[0002] This invention was not made by an agency of the United StatesGovernment nor under contract with an agency of the United StatesGovernment.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates generally to a system for producingspectral displays of visible light, and more specifically to prism-likedevices and methods associated with such devices for creating artificialrainbows for decorative purposes and for scientific or technicalapplications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] A prism is a device that may be used to disperse white light intothe visible spectrum of colors. The visible spectrum of colors iscommonly referred to as a “rainbow” due to the prismatic effect of raindroplets on rays of sunlight that pass through such droplets.Equilateral prisms are typically used for the dispersion of light intoits component colors. Light incident at an oblique angle to the firstface is dispersed according to its wavelength and emerges as a visiblespectrum from the opposite face of the prism.

[0005] In addition to the potential for use in creating a pleasingdisplay of colors, prisms are also very useful as components in certainoptical systems. For example, prisms may be used to redirect or deviatean optical beam or rays or to erect an inverted image. Prisms that arecommonly used in optical systems or as optical devices include rightangle prisms, dove prisms, penta prisms, retro-reflectors, and precisionwedge prisms.

[0006] Prisms are typically made from solid pieces of optical materialsuch as glass or quartz. The faces of the prism are normally flat withthe non-optical surfaces being left in the ground condition. Theoptically active faces are further ground and polished to apre-specified degree of flatness. Prisms are usually more difficult tofabricate than mirrors or windows because several surfaces must be heldin precise geometrical relationships to one another. Some prisms, suchas retro-reflectors, rely greatly on the precision of these geometricalrelationships. Thus, carefully controlling prism angles makes itpossible to perform interesting and useful manipulations on the imaginglight entering the prism.

[0007] Because light dispersing prisms are precision craftedinstruments, in many cases they tend to be fragile, expensive, and notwidely or immediately available for use in or as consumer products.Additionally, large spectrum forming prisms can be unwieldy, and theemergent spectral beam is only somewhat directable and must beaccomplished by rotating the entire prism. Furthermore, rigid designcompromises are often required to effectively control light dispersionwhile reducing reflection losses.

[0008] Thus, because prisms can be used as devices for teachingscientific principles to children or adults, for creating pleasingdecorative spectral displays, and for a variety of technical purposes,there is a need for a less expensive prismatic device that performs thesame or similar functions as the currently available glass or quartzprisms.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] These and other deficiencies of the prior art are overcome by thepresent invention, the exemplary embodiments of which provide arelatively inexpensive and highly adaptable system for creating colorfulspectral displays that, in some cases, resemble naturally occurringrainbows.

[0010] The first general embodiment of this invention provides a systemfor creating a spectral display or displays. This system includes atleast one source of light within the visible spectrum and at least oneprismatic element. The prismatic element further includes asubstantially solid light dispersing medium, such as glass or quartz, areflective or highly reflective surface attached to the light dispersingmedium, and a window formed in the light dispersing medium at apredetermined angle relative to the reflective surface. In thisembodiment, the angle of the reflective surface relative to the windowis fixed. This fixed-angle or monolithic prismatic element is typicallyfabricated from plate glass mirror material. An alternate embodiment ofthis prismatic element includes a compound version of the elementwherein multiple single elements have been affixed together, whilekeeping the reflective surfaces parallel to one another, to create amore complex spectral display. Advantageously, the monolithic prismaticelements of the present invention are approximately one-half of theweight of more traditional glass or quartz dispersing prisms and a farless expensive to fabricate.

[0011] The second general embodiment of this invention provides a systemfor creating a spectral display or displays and also includes at leastone source of light within the visible spectrum and at least oneprismatic element. In this embodiment, the prismatic element furtherincludes a fluid light dispersing medium such as water, and a highlyreflective surface placed within the light dispersing medium. In theexemplary embodiment, the angle of the reflective surface is adjustablerelative to the source of light. Thus, this version functions in amanner similar to a prism, but utilizes a standard mirror, mirrors, orother materials with highly reflective surfaces and water or a similarfluid that disperses visible light in a predictable manner at or on aspecific target.

[0012] Both the fixed prismatic elements and the adjustable lightdispersing elements may be arranged into one or more arrays that may beused to create complex spectral displays while utilizing one or moreavailable light sources or a moving light source such as the sun as itmoves across the morning and/or afternoon sky. Further advantages of thepresent invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in theart upon reading and understanding the following detailed description ofthe preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form apart of the specification, schematically illustrate one or moreexemplary embodiments of the invention and, together with the generaldescription given above and detailed description of the preferredembodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of theinvention.

[0014]FIG. 1a is a perspective view of the individual solid prismaticelement.

[0015]FIG. 1b is a perspective view of the prismatic element of FIG. 1abefore the excess glass has been removed from the roughed-out element.

[0016]FIG. 2a is a perspective view of the assembled compound prismaticelement.

[0017]FIG. 2b is a side view of a plurality of strips of plate glassmirror laminated to one another in an offset manner for the purpose offabricating the compound prismatic element of FIG. 2a.

[0018]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of thepresent invention wherein the light dispersing assembly includes anadjustable mirror.

[0019]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the presentinvention wherein the light dispersing assembly includes multipleadjustable mirrors.

[0020]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the present invention wherein thelight dispersing assembly includes an array of solid light dispersingmirrors or solid prismatic elements.

[0021]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the array of FIG. 5 placed outsideof a building, and wherein the array is positioned relative to themovement of the sun such that a spectral display is produced on a targetsurface.

[0022]FIG. 7a is a top view of the array of FIG. 5 placed outside of abuilding in a first orientation, and wherein the array is positionedrelative to the movement of the sun such that a spectral display isproduced on the target.

[0023]FIG. 7b is a top view of the array of FIG. 5 placed outside of abuilding in a second orientation, and wherein the array is positionedrelative to the movement of the sun such that a spectral display isproduced on the target.

[0024]FIG. 7c is a top view of the array of FIG. 5 placed outside of abuilding in a third orientation, and wherein the array is positionedrelative to the movement of the sun such that a spectral display isproduced on the target.

[0025]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of thepresent invention wherein the light dispersing assembly includesmultiple adjustable mirrors.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] In the broadest and most generic sense, the present inventionprovides a system for creating colorful spectral displays that, in somecases, resemble naturally occurring rainbows. The first generalembodiment of this invention includes a prism-like device or prismaticelement fabricated from plate glass mirror material. An alternateembodiment includes a compound version of this prismatic element. Thesecond general embodiment includes a device that functions like a prism,but that utilizes a standard mirror, mirrors, or other materials withhighly reflective surfaces and water or a similar fluid that disperseslight in a predictable manner at or on a specific target. Both theprismatic elements and the light dispersing mirrors may be arranged intoone or more arrays that may be used to create complex spectral displayswhile utilizing one or more available light sources or a moving lightsource such as the sun as it moves across the morning and/or afternoonsky.

[0027] A. Monolithic Prismatic Element

[0028] 1. Single Element

[0029] With reference now to the Figures, FIG. 1a provides a perspectiveview of the individual solid or monolithic prismatic element. FIG. 1bprovides a perspective view of the prismatic element of FIG. 1a beforethe excess glass has been removed from the roughed-out element.Prismatic element 10 may be used alone, or in combination with othersuch elements for dispersing light and creating spectral displays underproper conditions.

[0030] In a first exemplary embodiment, prismatic element 10 comprises apiece of plate glass mirror 12, having ground surfaces 18 and 20, thathas been modified to function as a light-dispersing element havingprismatic properties. In contrast to the second general embodiment oflight dispersing element disclosed herein, i.e., the adjustabledispersing mirror, the mirrored surface of prismatic element 10 isfixed. In general, once the element has been created from plate glassmirror, the position of the reflective surface 14 relative to the angle(about 30°) of the face of window 16 cannot typically be altered.However, the angle of the face of the window can be altered relative tothe mirrored surface by additional grinding and polishing of window 16.

[0031] The monolithic prismatic element of this invention is made byutilizing techniques and devices that are well known to those skilled inthe arts of glass working and optics. Typically, commercially availableplate glass mirror having a thickness of 0.25 inch (0.64 cm) ispreferred for the monolithic prismatic element because it (i) is widelyavailable; (ii) is relatively inexpensive; and (iii) possesses certaindesirable physical characteristics such as a high degree of flatness andstrength. However, plate glass or optical glass of greater or lesserthickness may also be utilized provided that the strength and flatnessof the plate glass is adequate for use with the prismatic element andspectral display system of this invention.

[0032] Fabrication of the monolithic prismatic element of the presentinvention may be accomplished with conventional techniques such assawing, grinding, polishing and laminating (in the case of compoundelements). As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, sawingmay be accomplished with a wet diamond saw, grinding may be accomplishedwith silicon carbide grinding mills, and polishing may be accomplishedwith cerium oxide/felt polishing lathes such as those utilizedthroughout the glass industry. If lamination is required, as withfabrication of compound elements, the common method of using ultraviolet(UV) curable optical cement, such as Loctite 349, is sufficient.

[0033] The fixed or monolithic prismatic element may be fabricated byseveral methods depending upon the quantity and the quality desired. Byway of example, a variety of transparent solids may be machined intoshape and either mirrored in several ways or laminated to existingmirror to form a solid prismatic element. For scientific purposes (smallquantity, highest quality) optical glass machined to shape and mirroredwith vapor deposited aluminum is preferred. For technical purposes (highquality, medium quantity) laminated, cut and machined common 0.25 inchplate glass mirror is preferred. For commercial purposes (largequantity, lower quality) injection molded plastic (methacrylic forexample) with vapor deposited aluminum or lamination to a 0.25 inchplate glass mirror is preferred. Essentially, an optically flat windowmade in any transparent solid such that the window surface is fixed atabout a 30° angle to an optically flat mirrored surface is consistentwith this general embodiment.

[0034] By way of example, the general process for fabricating solidprismatic element 10 includes the following steps. First, theroughed-out element is formed by cutting a piece of plate glass mirrorinto strips of about 0.5 to 2.0 inches (1.27 to 5.08 cm) in width and upto a length of about eight (8) feet (2.44 meters). A scoring tool orsimilar device may be used to cut the plate glass in this fashion. Afterthis step, the piece of cut plate glass is rectangular in cross-section.Second, the strip of glass is changed in cross-section from a rectangleto a 30-60-90° triangle first by sawing, then by grinding the plateglass until the desired geometry is achieved (see FIGS. 1a and 1 b).Note that the silvering that comprises the mirrored surface is notsubjected to sawing and grinding, but rather it is the un-silveredportion of the strip that is sawed and ground. Third, the newly ground,angled surface is polished until a clear glass window 16 has beencreated. Fourth, the edges and corners of element 10 are ground toeliminate any sharp edges that might make the element dangerous tohandle.

[0035] 2. Compound Element

[0036] The solid prismatic elements of the present invention may befabricated as a multiple-element or compound element in the Figures.FIG. 2a provides a perspective view of the assembled compound prismaticelement 22 having multiple reflective surfaces 14 and multiple windows16. FIG. 2b provides a side view of a plurality of strips of plate glassmirror laminated to one another in an offset manner for the purpose offabricating compound prismatic element 22.

[0037] As best shown in FIG. 2b, strips of plate glass mirror 12 havingreflective surfaces 14 and widths of about 0.25 inch (0.64 cm) arelaminated to one another in an offset manner to form an assembly. Usingthe methods and devices described above, the assembly of plate glassmirror strips is ground to form a series of triangles having thepreferred geometry of approximately 30-60-90°. As shown in FIG. 2b, theupper surface exposed by sawing and grinding the assembly is polished toform clear window 16. The other surfaces generated by this method areleft in the ground state. The glass represented by triangle A is purelystructural in that connects the individual optical elements. The glassrepresented by triangle B is the optical element, reflective surface 14on bottom, window 16 on top. In this embodiment, the plate glass addedto the bottom of the assembly protects the bottom mirror and gives thedevice a consistent rectangular shape. A plurality of thin glass shims24 may be utilized to add structural support to the assembly.

[0038] The compound element creates a multiplicity of spectral displaysin the same way as the single prismatic element previously described;however, the compound element emits multiple beams at a relatively smallangle to the next element. Advantageously, the compound element providesseveral emergent beams that are generated from a relatively lightweight,compact element. The method of laminating multiple plate glass mirrorstogether in the fashion disclosed herein eliminates the need for manypieces of glass to accomplish the same task. If it is desirable to alterthe angle and/or orientation of the single or compound prismaticelements, a commercially available coarse thread nut having a diameterof about 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) may be attached by adhesive means to theback of the mirrored surface to provide a point of attachment for a basesuch as a camera tripod.

[0039] B. Adjustable Prismatic Element

[0040] The second general embodiment of the present invention includesprismatic element that utilizes a standard mirror, mirrors, or othermaterials with a highly reflective surfaces and water or a similar fluidthat diffuses light in a predictable manner. Essentially, thisembodiment of the present invention provides an adjustable dispersingmirror that is adapted to disperse a collimated beam of light, much as acommon prism does, and direct that dispersed light beam at a targetsurface. FIG. 3 provides a cross-sectional side view of one embodimentof the present invention wherein the light dispersing assembly includesan adjustable mirror while FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of anotherembodiment of the present invention wherein the light dispersingassembly includes multiple adjustable mirrors. The dispersing mirror ofthe present invention provides a low-cost, low-weight, and relativelysmall alternative to currently available devices that produce pure,directable, spectral light.

[0041] The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3 provides a mounted,adjustable, light dispersing device 30 that includes an adjustablereflective surface 32, a reservoir 40 for containing fluid media 42, anda means for supporting the system. In the exemplary embodiment,reservoir 40 is an elongated container closed on two ends, open on thetop, and having a rounded bottom such that the reservoir resembles acylinder that has been bisected lengthwise. Optional window 38, which isaffixed to the open top of reservoir 40, allows light to enter thecontainer, while at the same time sealing the container to preventleakage of the fluid media. Prior to operating light dispersion device30, the user must fill reservoir 40 with water or a similar transparentfluid that is capable of separating white light into its componentwavelengths. Filling the reservoir is accomplished by turning thecontainer on end, opening port 44 and filling the reservoir. Port 44 isclosed and sealed by means of a cap, plug, or similar device.

[0042] Reflective surface 32 comprises an elongated, rectangular pieceof mirror that has been mounted inside reservoir 40 by means of twomounting pins 34 attached to either end of reflective surface 32.Reflective surface 32 is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis ofreservoir 40. At one of the closed ends of reservoir 40, one of themounting pins 34 extends through the material of the container and isattached to handle 36, which is mounted on the exterior of thecontainer. The position of reflective surface 32 relative to a lightsource (see arrow C) and/or target can be changed or adjusted simply byturning handle 36. Advantageously, this embodiment of the presentinvention provides a flexible compromise between dispersion andreflection losses by allowing for a change of angle between theoptically active surfaces of the device (see arrow D). Brightness anddispersion are controlled through independent and simultaneous change ofthe angle of incidence and emergence. The emergent spectral beam (seearrow E) from the exemplary embodiment is easily directable in the sameway that a commonly used mirror directs a beam of light via rotation,i.e. by means of folded optics.

[0043] The component parts of light dispersing device 30 may bemanufactured using techniques widely known in the art, including, butnot limited to, injection molding, glass cutting, and plumbing.Preferably, the materials used in the construction of the device willnot corrode and will not be compromised by extended periods ofsubmersion in water. Preferably, any fluid that is added to reservoir 40will be sterile and/or will be treated with a bactericide or otherpreservative or antifreeze. In particular, if reflective surface 32 is acommon mirror, it may be necessary to treat the back of the reflectivesurface with a sealant or similar material that will provide extracorrosion resistance to the back of the device where the silvering isattached to the glass.

[0044] Again with reference to FIG. 3, the exemplary embodiment ofadjustable light dispersing device 30 includes a support member 46attached to the bottom of reservoir 40. This support member receivesstand 48, which includes base 50, and which is attached to supportmember 46 by means of one or more mounting screws (not shown).Preferably, stand 48 is a telescoping device, is capable of raising thelight dispersion device to a variable height, and may be used to placelight dispersion device 30 on any number of substrates or surfaces. Base50 provides the support and balance necessary to stabilize device 30. Inthe exemplary embodiment, stand 48 may be used to tilt device 30 forwardor backward (see arrow A), and may be used to swivel device 30 around acentral axis (see arrow B). A common camera tripod is one example of adevice that is capable of performing the functions of stand 48.

[0045] A second exemplary embodiment of the fluid-filled, adjustablelight dispersing device is shown in FIG. 4. This embodiment provides atable-top or desktop to version of the light dispersion device that maybe quite small in size, e.g., about 2″×6″, or may be very large in size,e.g., about 2′×8′. Light dispersion device with multiple mirrors 60includes a first adjustable mirror 62 and a second adjustable mirror 64that are positioned in slots 72 and 74 on the interior of basin 74. Eachmirror is mounted within a bracket 66 at either end of the mirror, andon each of these mirrors, one of the brackets includes a handle 68 forchanging the angle of the mirror. First adjustable mirror tilts in anupward or downward fashion in first slot 70 (see arrow A). Secondadjustable mirror 64 tilts in an upward or downward fashion in secondslot 72 independently of first adjustable mirror 64. As also shown inFIG. 4, basin 74 includes a base 78 for stabilizing the light dispersingmirror as well as an optional window or cover 76 which may be used toseal the device to prevent leakage or evaporation of the fluid media.

[0046] Light dispersion device with multiple mirrors 60 may befabricated from materials such as those used with light dispersingdevice 30. Light dispersion device with multiple mirrors 60 may beoperated by placing the device in the sun near a target surface andadjusting the multiple mirrors until the desired spectral display iscreated on the target surface. It may be necessary to move the devicecloser to, or farther away from, the target surface in order to create aclearly defined spectral display.

[0047] C. Arrays of Prismatic Elements

[0048] Both the monolithic prismatic elements and adjustable lightdispersing mirrors of the present invention may be assembled in a frameto create an array of reflective devices. As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7a-c, prismatic array 80 includes and assembly of elements 82 mountedinside frame 84 and placed within basin 90 which may or may not becovered with cover 88, and which may or may not contain water or asimilar fluid. An array that includes a plurality of individual elements86 that are non-adjustable, i.e., fixed or monolithic prismaticelements, would not typically require a fluid media to create thedesired spectral displays. An array that includes a plurality ofreflective surfaces, such as adjustable light dispersing mirrors wouldtypically require such a fluid media.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, the semi-arced array configuration ofthe prismatic elements of this invention compensates for a moving lightsource such as the daily motion of the sun in order to provide arelative constant “rainbow effect” on a target surface such as a wallfound inside a building or structure 100. The array permits some or allof the available mid-day sun to be refracted and then reflected througha window in order to provide colorful and dynamic illumination.

[0050]FIG. 6 provides a perspective view of the array of FIG. 5 placedoutside of a building, wherein the array is positioned relative to themovement of the sun such that a spectral display is produced on a targetsurface through a window 102. FIG. 7a provides a top view of the arrayof FIG. 5 placed outside of a building in a first orientation, andwherein the array is positioned relative to the movement of the sun suchthat a spectral display is produced on the target surface. FIG. 7bprovides a top view of the array of FIG. 5 placed outside of a buildingin a second orientation, and wherein the array is positioned relative tothe movement of the sun such that a spectral display is produced on thetarget surface. FIG. 7c provides a top view of the array of FIG. 5placed outside of a building in a third orientation, and wherein thearray is positioned relative to the movement of the sun such that aspectral display is produced on the target surface. In these Figures,when the sun is at position A, the light is reflected to position A′ andwhen the sun is at position B, the light is reflected to position B′.

[0051] The solid glass and the sealed mirror-and-water dispersionmirrors may be similarly arrayed, but the open mirror-and-water versiondelivers the largest-scale effects most economically and constitutes a“refraction pond.” An example of the “refraction pond” (FIGS. 6, 7a-c)consists of a 50° wide, horizontal fan shaped array of 10, 2″ high×1″wide mirrors, supported in a frame at a 5° angle to each other all setin a shallow (1.25″ (inches) or deeper) ‘pond’. If the target window ison the west side of a building the ‘pond’ would be located about 15′outside and slightly north of the window so the morning sun (˜10 AM)shines over the building onto the pond. The array in the pond is turneduntil the end mirror can reflect the sun at the right edge of thewindow. This mirror is then pivoted up or down to put the beam at theupper end of the window (Point A′). As the sun in the S.E. sky moves upand to the right, the reflected (and reflected) prismatic beam moves tothe left and downward at the same angular rate (15°/hr.) as the sun. Ifit is assumed the target window is 10° wide from the position of thepond then the beam will move from the upper right of the window towardthe lower left in 40 minutes. After only 20 minutes (5°) the secondmirror of the array is ready to be pivoted to put the second beam atPoint A′ like the first. As the sun moves farther west each mirror is,in turn, pivoted to put the emergent beam at the height that will allowit to transit the window as the sun moves.

[0052] Because the emergent beams are 5° apart and the window 10° wide,there will be two or three beams in the window at one time in thisexample. The duration of this light show is 10×5° (per mirror)+10°(window width)=60° divided by 15°/hr. =4 hours max., weather permitting.This brief description is one of three target window scenarios (seeFIGS. 7a-c); the one described herein works for both east and westwindows. North facing windows are typically easier to target but southwindows are more difficult however, all are treated similarly. Arrays ofdispersing mirrors of any kind may be used for other provisions thansolar motion compensation, such as multiple beam displays andillumination of multiple targets.

[0053]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of yet another embodiment ofthe present invention that includes an array of prismatic elements. Thisembodiment provides a light dispersion device 200 that may be usedindoors or outside in all seasons, with sunlight or appropriate, i.e.,sufficient, artificial light as the source of light for the spectraldisplay. As shown in FIG. 8, an exemplary embodiment of light dispersiondevice 200 includes a plurality of mirrored surfaces 204 placed within acontainer 210. A cover 202 includes a piece of 0.25 inch plate glasswindow. Mirrored surfaces 204 comprise 0.25 plate glass mirror(≈1½″×12″) seated atop a series of 30°-60°-90° plastic wedges 206. Asilicone glue bead 224 stabilizes each reflective surface atop wedges206. The internal portion 250 of container 210 is filled with clearfluid by way of fill port 220.

[0054] The display created by this embodiment consists of a series ofrainbows arranged in more or less continuous arc. Unlike a naturalrainbow whole color bands run the length of the arc, these bands crossthe narrow (12″ or so) width of the ˜36° arc and consist of 10 or soclosely juxtaposed individual rainbows, during normal use. This deviceallows the length of the arc to be adjustable, form a dashed arc ofwidely separated rainbows to overlapping and mixing rainbows, to acomplete overlap forming a single brighter (10 x) rainbow band.

[0055] This adjustment is made through turning a value handle 218thereby pushing on and flexing the mounting surface 208 of the mirrorswhich includes a plastic “false bottom.” This push or pull is generatedby the screw threads of the valve stem 216 when turned in combinationwith the reinforced swivel 214 attached to the bottom of the mirrormounting surface. This surface is rectangular and supported at only thetwo edges that are parallel to the length of the mirror strips, at thesupport slots 222 for the “false bottom.” These support slots 222 aredeep enough to grip mirror mounting surface 208 even when its length isshortened due to being flexed. The other two edges of mounting surface208 are unsupported and form one side each of two gaps between mountingsurface 208 and container 210, which is typically a hermetically sealedplastic or metal box. These gaps allow the clear fluid 252, which may beclear ethylene glycol, to flow from one side of the mounting surface tothe other when flexed. Preferably, fluid 252, which is one of theantifreeze glycols, is be clear (not green) and chemically compatiblewith parts in contract with it.

[0056] The second adjustable area in this embodiment is an adaptedcamera mount that includes a vertical adjustment knob 226 and a cameramount body 230. Camera mount screw 228 holds container 210 at reinforcedmounting bracket 212, which is located near the geometric center of thecontainer for maintaining balance. Camera mount azimuth lock screw 232allows the operator to place the unit in the sun (or projector light)and direct the reflected prismatic beams at a target of choice and fixthe unit in position. The adapted camera mount rests atop a support tube234 which connects the container 210 to a base.

[0057] The third adjustable area of this device includes a base that isself-operating once the device is turned on using switch 242. In theexemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 8, this area includes an electricturntable 236 powered by batteries 244 and enclosed in housing 248,which further includes stabilizing feet 246. The speed of the turntable(e.g., one revolution per 48 hour period) is determined by gear motor240 and the gear motor-to-drive gear 238 ratio. The action of thisturntable base neutralizes the horizontal motion of the sun with respectto the reflected prismatic beams and their target, but not the verticalmovement of the sun. The result is that the arc of rainbow beams movesdown and up as the sun moves up and down, but they do not move to theeast as the sun moves west. A sustained illumination of the targetsurface is thus attained.

[0058] While the above description contains much specificity, thisshould not be construed as a limitation on the scope of the invention,but rather as an exemplification of certain preferred or exemplaryembodiments. Numerous other variations of the present invention arepossible, and it is not intended herein to mention all of the possibleequivalent forms or ramifications of this invention. Various changes maybe made to the present invention without departing from the scope orspirit of the invention.

What is claimed:
 1. A system for creating a spectral display,comprising: (a) at least one prismatic element, wherein said prismaticelement further comprises: (i) a substantially solid light dispersingmedium; (ii) a highly reflective surface attached to said lightdispersing medium; and (iii) a window formed in said light dispersingmedium at a predetermined angle relative to said reflective surface, andwherein said angle of said reflective surface relative to said window isfixed; and (b) at least one source of light, wherein said light iswithin the visible spectrum.
 2. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising multiple prismatic elements attached to one another, andwherein said reflective surfaces are substantially parallel to oneanother.
 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising an array of saidprismatic elements, and wherein said prismatic elements in said arrayare arranged in a semi-arc relative to one another, and wherein saidarray can be selectively positioned relative to said source of light. 4.The system of claim 3, further comprising a supportive frame forcontaining said array.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein said prismaticelement is fabricated from a plate glass mirror.
 6. The system of claim1, wherein said prismatic element is substantially triangular in shapewhen viewed from the side.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein saidtriangle is a 30-60-90° triangle.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein saidlight dispersing medium further comprises plastic, polymer, glass,quartz or combinations thereof.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein saidwindow further comprises a highly polished surface.
 10. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said at least one source of light an artificial lightsource, the sun, or combinations thereof.
 11. A system for creating aspectral display, comprising: (a) at least one source of light, whereinsaid light is within the visible spectrum; and (b) at least oneprismatic element, wherein said prismatic element further comprises: (i)a fluid light dispersing medium; and (ii) a highly reflective surfaceplaced within said light dispersing medium, and wherein the angle ofsaid reflective surface is adjustable relative to said source of light.12. The system of claim 11, further comprising an array of saidprismatic elements, and wherein said prismatic elements in said arrayare arranged in a semi-arc relative to one another, and wherein saidarray can be selectively positioned relative to said source of light.13. The system of claim 11, further comprising at least two adjustablereflective surfaces placed within said light dispersing medium, andwherein said at least two adjustable reflective surfaces aresubstantially parallel to one another within said light dispersingmedium.
 14. The system of claim 11, further comprising a supportiveframe for containing said array and said fluid light dispersing medium.15. The system of claim 11, further comprising at least one targetsurface for said spectral display.
 16. The system of claim 11, whereinsaid at least one source of light an artificial light source, the sun,or combinations thereof.
 17. The system of claim 11, wherein said fluidlight dispersing medium further comprises water.
 18. The system of claim11, wherein said reflective surface further comprises a plate glassmirror.
 19. The system of claim 11, wherein said fluid light dispersingmedium further comprises a preservative to prevent the growth ofmicroorganisms in said fluid.
 20. The system of claim 11, wherein saidfluid light dispersing medium further comprises substantially clearantifreeze for reducing any tendency of said fluid to freeze.